TWI577104B - Wireless power receiver system and method of the same - Google Patents

Description

Wireless power receiving system and method thereof

The present invention relates to wireless power supplies, and more particularly to systems for wirelessly receiving power from a wireless power supply.

The use of wireless power supply systems continues to grow. The most common wireless power supply system uses electromagnetic fields to wirelessly transmit power from a wireless power supply to a wireless power receiver associated with a remote device such as a mobile phone, smart phone, media player or Other electronic devices. There are many different types of wireless power supply systems. For example, many conventional systems use a primary coil in a wireless power supply and a secondary coil in a wireless power receiver of a remote unit. The primary coil generates an electromagnetic field that is emitted by the wireless power supply. The wireless power receiver includes a primary coil that can be placed in an electromagnetic field generated by the primary coil. If the remote device is placed close enough to the wireless power supply, the electromagnetic field induces power in the secondary coil and can be used by the remote device, for example, to power and/or charge the remote device. This type of system typically provides the best performance when the primary and secondary coils are relatively close to each other. For this reason, this type of system is often referred to as a "closely coupled" system.

Many conventional wireless power supply systems have been configured to provide a primary coil and a secondary coil that are more remote than would normally be acceptable for a tightly coupled system. Efficiently provide electricity. It is known that they can efficiently transfer power at greater distances than tightly coupled systems, which are often referred to as "medium distance" systems. A typical medium-range wireless power transmission system relies on the technology invented by Nicola Tesla more than a hundred years ago (see, for example, U.S. Patent No. 685,012, issued Oct. 22, 1901). In a typical mid-range system, the power transfer system includes a pair of resonators disposed between the primary coil and the secondary coil, or otherwise in close proximity to both. Each resonator is configured to include an inductor and a capacitor and does not include any additional significant loads. This approach ensures that the impedance at the resonant frequency is at a minimum and maximizes the resonant current between the capacitor and the inductor. The current in the inductor then amplifies the wireless power signal induced in the resonator. It is known to have the ability to amplify signals that can function as a bridge for extending the effective range of a wireless power supply system. In use, the primary coil generates an electromagnetic field to induce electrical power in the first resonator, the first resonator generates an amplified electromagnetic field to induce electrical power in the second resonator, and the second resonator generates an amplified electromagnetic field. Electricity is induced in the stage coil.

While the use of resonators typically provides improved efficiency in mid-range environments, resonators can reduce efficiency if the wireless power supply and remote unit are too close together. This sets a practical limit for systems with mid-range resonators. Further, a wireless power supply with a resonator typically cannot operate efficiently with a remote device that does not have a resonator (and vice versa). Therefore, the wireless power supply usually needs to match the matching remote device.

The present invention proposes a wireless power receiver that is capable of optimizing itself for receiving wireless power from different types of wireless power supplies. The wireless power receiver includes two receiver circuits configured for different operating parameters. In a specific embodiment, wireless power receiving The device includes a main receiver circuit and an auxiliary receiver circuit. The primary receiver circuit is adjustable to operate in one of a tightly coupled mode or a resonator mode. In a tightly coupled mode, the main receiver circuit functions as a main power source for the remote unit. In the resonator mode, the main power circuit can be powered down/separated from the remote unit and function as a resonator to amplify the received wireless power signal. If the primary receiver circuit is in resonator mode, the secondary receiver circuit can be configured to function as a power source for the remote device. The auxiliary receiver circuit can also provide power to the remote unit if the primary receiver circuit is in a tightly coupled mode.

In a specific embodiment, the main receiver circuit includes a receiver coil (or other inductor) and a receiver capacitor, the receiver coil and the receiver capacitor forming a tank circuit and coupled to the power of the remote unit Input. The receiver coil and the receiver capacitor can form a resonant tank circuit. The resonant tank circuit can be coupled to the power input via a rectified current and can be suitably filtered and regulated. The main receiver circuit includes a switch arranged to allow the resonant tank circuit to be selectively shorted such that the resonant tank circuit is effectively powered down/separated from the remote unit power input and configured in a closed resonant tank In order to play like a resonator function. In a specific embodiment, the switch includes an arrangement in which two power transistors (FETs) are coupled to a controller. If the primary receiver circuit is desired to function as a resonator mode, the controller can be configured to open the FETs and short the resonant tank circuit.

In a specific embodiment, the auxiliary receiver circuit includes a receiver coil coupled to the power input of the remote device. The auxiliary receiver coil can be electrically coupled to the power input via a rectified current and can be suitably filtered and regulated. The characteristics of the auxiliary receiver coil can be selected such that when the main receiver circuit is in the resonator mode, the auxiliary receiver coil is tuned To effectively receive wireless power from the main receiver circuit.

In one embodiment, the auxiliary receiver circuit can also be adjustable to operate in one of a tightly coupled mode or a resonator mode. In this embodiment, the auxiliary receiver can include a receiver capacitor and the receiver inductor to form a tank circuit. The auxiliary receiver can also include a switch for selecting a short circuit energy storage circuit such that it forms a closed resonant circuit. In the resonator mode, the auxiliary receiver circuit can function as a resonator to amplify the received wireless power signal. The main receiver circuit and the auxiliary receiver circuit are tunable to each other to more efficiently match different mid-range wireless power supply operations.

In one embodiment, the main receiver circuit can have a selectively variable capacitance value and/or a selectively variable inductance value such that the circuit can be tuned for different wireless power transfer parameters. For example, the circuit can include a bank of capacitors and/or a row of inductors and includes a controller that can selectively couple desired capacitor values and/or desired inductor values to the receiver circuit.

In one embodiment, the auxiliary receiver circuit can be provided with a selectively variable capacitance value and/or a selectively variable inductance value such that the auxiliary receiver circuit can be tuned for different wireless power transfer parameters. For example, the auxiliary receiver circuit can include a bank of capacitors and/or a row of inductors, and includes a controller capable of selectively connecting a desired capacitance value and/or a desired inductance value to the receiver circuit . In some embodiments, both the primary receiver circuit and the secondary receiver circuit can have selectively variable capacitance values and inductance values. In such embodiments, the system can include a separate controller capable of controlling the capacitance and inductance of the two receiver circuits.

In one embodiment, the wireless power receiver includes a communication system capable of receiving communications from a wireless power supply. In this embodiment, the wireless power receiver can be connected The communication indicates whether it is to operate in a tightly coupled mode or in a medium mode. In the mid-range mode, the wireless power receiver can include a controller that turns on the FET or other switch to cause the main power receiver to operate, such as a resonator. The main receiver circuit and/or the auxiliary receiver circuit includes a variable capacitance value and/or a variable inductance value. The communication system can also be used to communicate the desired capacitance value and/or inductance value, or Communication information indicates the appropriate capacitance value and/or inductance value.

In one embodiment, the wireless power receiver can be configured to determine an appropriate mode of operation without communication from the wireless power supply. In one embodiment, the wireless power receiver can include a sensor capable of measuring current and/or voltage induced in the primary receiver circuit and/or the auxiliary receiver circuit. The wireless power receiver can include a controller that can determine an appropriate mode of operation based on the current and/or voltage measured by the sensor. The controller can make decisions based on different characteristics of the induced power, such as, for example, the peak or rms value of the current and/or voltage, or the frequency at which the current and/or voltage changes. In another example, the decision can be made based on the rate at which current and/or voltage changes. The wireless power receiver can include a controller that can compare the measured current and/or voltage in the primary receiver circuit with the measured current and/or voltage in the auxiliary receiver circuit, and thereby determine the appropriate operation mode.

The present invention proposes a simple and efficient wireless power receiver that can receive power from different types of wireless power supplies. In a specific embodiment, a single power receiver can be selectively configured to function as a proximity receiver or a resonator for a mid-range receiver. In one embodiment, both the primary receiver circuit and the secondary receiver circuit are capable of functioning as a resonator, thereby providing the ability of the wireless power receiver to accommodate different mid-range wireless power supplies. In a specific embodiment, in the main receiver circuit and/or auxiliary Variable inductance values and/or variable capacitance values in the receiver circuit can be used to allow the system to be tuned for improved efficiency of a wide range of wireless power supply operating characteristics. The present invention also provides various alternative systems and methods for determining an appropriate mode of operation. This allows the invention to be easily incorporated into a wide variety of different wireless power supply systems.

These and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more fully understood and appreciated from the <

Before the detailed description of the specific embodiments of the present invention, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the details of the details The invention may be embodied in a variety of other specific embodiments and may be practiced or carried out using alternative methods not disclosed herein. Moreover, it is conceivable that the words and terms used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be construed as limiting. The use of "including" and "comprising" and its mutated usage are intended to encompass the items listed above and their equivalents, as well as additional items equivalent thereto. Further, the numbering can be used in the description of different specific embodiments. The use of numbers should not be construed as limiting the invention to any particular order of components or the number of components, unless otherwise indicated. The use of numbers is also not to be taken as limiting any additional steps or components that may be combined or combined with the numbered steps or components.

D‧‧‧Remote device

10‧‧‧Wireless power receiver

12‧‧‧Main Receiver Circuit

14‧‧‧Auxiliary Receiver Circuit

16‧‧‧Switcher

18‧‧‧ Controller

20‧‧‧storage circuit

22‧‧‧Inductors

24‧‧‧ capacitor

26‧‧‧Rectifier

28a-d‧‧‧ diode

30a-b‧‧‧Power transistor

32a-b‧‧‧ gate

34‧‧‧reference voltage

40‧‧‧Inductors

42‧‧‧Rectifier

44a-d‧‧‧ diode

100‧‧‧Wireless power supply

100’‧‧‧Wireless power supply

102’‧‧‧Resonator

210‧‧‧Wireless power receiver

212‧‧‧Main Receiver Circuit

220‧‧‧ Energy storage circuit

238‧‧‧ Identifying capacitors

310‧‧‧Wireless power receiver

312‧‧‧Main Receiver Circuit

314‧‧‧Auxiliary Receiver Circuit

324‧‧‧Resonance Capacitor

338‧‧‧ Identifying capacitors

340‧‧‧Inductors

410‧‧‧Wireless power receiver

412‧‧‧Main Receiver Circuit

414‧‧‧Auxiliary Receiver Circuit

416‧‧‧Switch

418‧‧‧ Controller

454‧‧‧Switcher

456‧‧‧Resonance capacitor

510‧‧‧Wireless power receiver

512‧‧‧Main Receiver Circuit

514‧‧‧Auxiliary Receiver Circuit

518‧‧‧ Controller

550‧‧‧ capacitor

552‧‧‧ capacitor

558a-b‧‧‧Power transistor

560a-b‧‧‧Power transistor

562‧‧‧Switcher

564‧‧‧Switcher

610‧‧‧Wireless power receiver

612‧‧‧Main Receiver Circuit

614‧‧‧Auxiliary Receiver Circuit

620‧‧‧ Energy storage circuit

670a-b‧‧‧Rectifier

672a-d‧‧‧Switcher

674a-d‧‧‧Switcher

The first figure is a schematic representation of a wireless power supply system having a tightly coupled wireless power supply and a wireless power receiver in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The second figure is a schematic representation of a wireless power supply system having a mid-range wireless power supply and a wireless power receiver in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The third figure is a schematic representation of a wireless power supply system, which has a conformance A first intermediate wireless power supply and a wireless power receiver are disclosed in a first alternative embodiment.

The fourth diagram is a schematic representation of a wireless power supply system having a tightly coupled wireless power supply and a wireless power receiver in accordance with a second alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a wireless power supply system having a mid-range wireless power supply and a wireless power receiver in accordance with a third alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a wireless power supply system having a mid-range wireless power supply and a wireless power receiver in accordance with a fourth alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a wireless power supply system having a mid-range wireless power supply and a wireless power receiver in accordance with a fifth alternative embodiment of the present invention.

The first and second figures show a wireless power receiver in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The wireless power receiver (10) of this particular embodiment is configured to wirelessly receive by a tightly coupled wireless power supply (100) (see the first figure) or by a medium distance wireless power supply (100' ) (see the second picture) of electricity. The wireless power receiver (10) is coupled to a remote unit (D) such that it can supply wirelessly received power to the remote unit (D). The wireless power receiver (10) can be selectively configured to operate in a tightly coupled mode or in a medium mode to allow it to be efficiently received by different types of wireless power supplies (100, 100') Electricity. The wireless power receiver (10) of this embodiment generally includes a primary receiver circuit (12), an auxiliary receiver circuit (14), and a controller (18) for controlling the wireless power receiver ( 10) operation. In this embodiment, the main receiver circuit (12) and the auxiliary receiver circuit (14) are connected in parallel to a power input of a remote device (D) such that both can transmit power to the remote device. (D). The primary receiver circuit (12) of this particular embodiment includes a resonant tank circuit and is selectively configurable to operate as a closely coupled receiver or a resonator for a medium power transmission system. The main receiver circuit (12) can be calibrated to cooperate with the tightly coupled wireless power supply (100) as a receiver for efficient operation, and with a medium distance wireless power supply (100') as a Resonator-like operation. The auxiliary receiver circuit (14) of this embodiment includes an inductor and is configured to be effectively received by the main receiver circuit (12) when configured to operate as a resonator Wireless power from circuit (12). In use, the controller (18) can determine the appropriate mode of operation and configure the main receiver circuit (12) to function as a tightly coupled receiver or as a resonator. The present invention discloses various systems and methods for determining an appropriate mode of operation.

The first and second figures are schematic illustrations of a wireless power receiver (10) consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. The wireless power receiver (10) of this particular embodiment can be coupled to a power input of a remote unit (D). The remote unit (D) can basically be any component that utilizes electrical power. For example, the remote device (D) may be a mobile phone, a smart phone, a media player, a number of assistants, a laptop, a laptop, or a tablet. The power transmitted by the wireless power receiver (10) can be used in substantially any manner, such as, for example, directly supplying a remote device (D) and/or charging a battery for the remote device (D). The wireless power receiver (10) can be directly integrated into the remote device (D) by the manufacturer. In such embodiments, the remote device (D) may be configured to house the wireless power receiver (10) in a housing of the remote device (D), and the power input may be to transfer power from the wireless power receiver (10) to the remote device ( D) Internal electrical connection of the power management unit (not shown). A power management unit (not shown) can control power usage as desired, for example, by using a conventional power control algorithm to provide power to the remote device (D) or to charge the battery of the remote device (D). Alternatively, the wireless power receiver (10) can be configured to connect to a remote device (D) that does not want to wirelessly receive power to allow the remote device (D) to wirelessly receive power.

As mentioned before, the wireless power receiver (10) of the first figure generally includes a main receiver circuit (12), an auxiliary receiver circuit (14), and a controller (18) for controlling the Operation of the wireless power receiver (10). The main receiver circuit (12) and the auxiliary receiver circuit (14) can be connected to a power input of a remote device (D) such that both can transmit power to the remote device (D). In this embodiment, the primary receiver circuit (12) and the auxiliary receiver circuit (14) are electrically coupled in parallel to a power input of the remote device (D). Although not shown, the two receiver circuits (12, 14) can be connected in parallel to a power input of a power management unit (not shown) such that they can supply power to the remote terminal alternately or simultaneously through the power management unit. Device (D). In this embodiment, the main receiver circuit (12) includes a tank circuit (20) that induces power therein if an appropriate electromagnetic field is present. The tank circuit (20) of this embodiment includes an inductor (22) and a capacitor (24). The inductor (22) can be a wire coil, such as a Litz wire, or other component capable of generating an electromagnetic field in response to a power supply. The capacitor (24) can be a conventional capacitor or other component having a capacitance value suitable for the tank circuit (20). The tank circuit inductor (22) and the tank circuit capacitor (24) have selected characteristics to modulate the main receiver circuit (12) to be effective with the expected operational characteristics of a tightly coupled wireless power supply (100). Working. For example, inductance The (22) and capacitor (24) can be selected to provide optimum performance at the power level and the expected operating frequency of the wireless power supply (100). This may include varying substantially any relevant characteristic of the inductor, such as, for example, inductance value, coil shape, coil radius, wire turns, wire type, wire pitch, and/or substantially any relevant characteristic of the capacitor, such as Capacitance value and capacitor type.

In some applications, it may be desirable for the remote unit (D) or the controller (or microcontroller) in the wireless power receiver to be powered up as soon as possible. For example, in some wireless power supply systems, a wireless power receiver or remote unit (D) is expected to communicate with a wireless power supply (100, 100'). These communications can be used for a variety of purposes, such as, for example, to determine the compatibility between a wireless power supply (100, 100') and a wireless power receiver (10), or to communicate at a set wireless power supply (100, 100') Useful information for operating parameters of the wireless power receiver (10) or remote unit (D). The wireless power receiver (10) or remote unit (D) is not capable of fast communication, which may cause the wireless power supply (100, 100') to stop supplying power or otherwise affect operation. In applications where it is important to determine that the controller can be powered up as quickly as possible (for example, to exchange communications with a wireless power supply), it may be desirable to calibrate the energy storage circuit of the primary receiver circuit (12) (20) So that even if the main receiver circuit (12) is in a tightly coupled configuration, sufficient power is induced from a mid-range wireless power supply (100') to power the controller. This may include trade-offs in efficiency when operating with a tightly coupled wireless power supply (100).

In this particular embodiment, the primary receiver circuit (12) is configured to provide rectified power to the remote device (D). Thus, the tank circuit (20) is coupled to the power input of the remote unit (D) via a rectifier. Although the rectifier may vary from application to application, the main receiver circuit (12) of the present embodiment includes a full wave rectifier (26) having four diodes (28a-d) are arranged in a pair of two diodes. The type of rectifier (eg, full or half wave) and the particular rectifier circuit (eg, bridge rectifier, mid tap, diode bridge) may vary as desired depending on the application. In an application where the remote unit (D) operates on AC power or has its own rectifier, the main receiver circuit (12) may not include a rectifier. In an application where the remote unit (D) is operated by AC power, it may be preferable to include an additional switch in the circuit to power down/cut off the tank circuit (20) from the remote unit (D). If desired, the output of the rectifier (26) may flow through a filtering and/or conditioning circuit, such as, for example, a smoothing circuit (not shown) configured to reduce chopping in the rectified power. For example, a charging capacitor or smoothing capacitor can be coupled to the output of the rectifier (26).

As previously discussed, the wireless power receiver (10) is configured to selectively operate in a tightly coupled mode or a medium distance mode. In this particular embodiment, the desired mode of operation is achieved by changing the configuration of the primary receiver circuit (12). In the particular embodiment of the first figure, the main receiver circuit (12) can be selectively configured to operate as a tightly coupled receiver or as a resonator. To allow for this reconfiguration, the main receiver circuit (12) includes a switch (16) arranged such that it can be turned on to selectively short the tank circuit (20) to cause the tank circuit (20) to form a Close the resonant circuit. While the configuration of the switch (16) can vary, the switch (16) of the depicted embodiment includes two FETs (30a-b) arranged on opposite sides of a reference voltage (34), such as, for example, ground. Each FET (30a-b) includes a gate (32a-b) that is electrically driven by a controller (18) such that the FET (30a-b) can be opened or closed by the controller (18). Alternative switch types may include relays, transistors or TRIACs or any other electronic component that can provide switching functionality in an AC circuit. If the switch (16) is open, the tank circuit (20) remains coupled to the power input of the remote unit (D) via the rectifier (26). In this configuration, the primary receiver circuit (12) effectively acts as a Tightly coupled receiver operation. If the switch (16) is in the path, the tank circuit (20) is shorted and effectively becomes a power outage/cutaway from the remote unit (D). In this configuration, the tank circuit (20) acts as a closed resonant tank and functions as a resonator capable of efficiently receiving, amplifying, and transmitting power from a medium-range wireless power supply. The resonator transmits power by generating an amplified electromagnetic field. The wireless power receiver (10) is tuned such that the amplified electromagnetic field generated by the resonator effectively induces power in the auxiliary receiver circuit (14).

As described above, the wireless power receiver (10) of this embodiment includes a controller (18) configured to selectively switch the wireless power receiver (10) between a tightly coupled mode and a medium mode. Mode of operation. The controller (18) is capable of controlling the drive signals applied to the gates (32a-b) of the FETs (30a-b). For example, the controller (18) can have a single output that drives the two gates (32a-b), or can have separate outputs for each of the gates (32a-b). Alternatively, the controller (18) can control the intervening elements that apply drive signals to the gates (32a-b). This alternative can be used if the output of the controller (18) is not sufficient to directly control the gates (32a-b). In some applications, the wireless power receiver (10) may have its own controller, and in other applications, the wireless power receiver (10) may share a controller with the remote device (D). For example, in some applications, the controller (18) can be implemented as a controller in one of the remote devices (D). In use, the controller (18) of this particular embodiment can open the switch (16) to configure the main receiver circuit (12) to operate in a tightly coupled mode, or to close the switch (16) to configure the main receiver The circuit (12) acts as a resonator for the mode of the medium distance. The wireless power receiver (10) can be configured to determine an appropriate mode of operation in a number of different manners. In one embodiment, the wireless power receiver (10) can determine the mode of operation using communication with the wireless power supply (100, 100'). For example, both the wireless power supply (100, 100') and the wireless power receiver (10) may include a wireless communication transceiver, such as, for example, Bluetooth, WiFi, or NFC communication transceiver. The wireless power receiver (10) may use a communication system built into the remote device (D) or may have its own proprietary communication system. In use, the wireless power receiver (10) can use the communication capabilities to interrogate the wireless power supply (100, 100') for proper mode of operation, and the controller (18) can configure the primary receiver circuit (12) accordingly. In another example, the wireless power supply (100, 100') and the wireless power receiver (10) can be configured to communicate via a power transfer coil. In a specific embodiment of this exemplary embodiment, the wireless power receiver (10) may be capable of receiving communications from the wireless power supply (100, 100'), using backscatter modulation or capable of communicating via the power transfer coil. Any communication type.

The controller (18) can alternatively determine the appropriate mode of operation by trial and error. For example, the controller (18) can operate in a tightly coupled mode for a first time period and a medium distance mode for a second time period, and can optionally operate in a mode that proves to be better, such as providing maximum power. Mode to remote unit (D).

Alternatively, the controller (18) may determine appropriate operation by sensing one or more characteristics of the received power in the primary receiver circuit (12) and/or the auxiliary receiver circuit (14). mode. In one embodiment, the main receiver circuit (12) includes a current sensor (not shown) capable of determining the strength of the current induced in the main receiver circuit (12). The current sensor can be replaced by a voltage sensor. In some embodiments, the main receiver circuit (12) can include both a current sensor and a voltage sensor. The controller (18) can evaluate different characteristics of the measured signal, such as peak or rms values of current and/or voltage, frequency of current and/or voltage change, or current and/or voltage. Rate of change. A variety of current and voltage sensors are known to those skilled in the art. The controller (18) can be programmed to determine the correct mode of operation based on the sensed value. For example, in a particular embodiment where the primary receiver circuit (12) includes a current sensor, the controller (18) The measured current can be compared to a predetermined value to determine if the wireless power (10) should operate in a tightly coupled mode or a medium mode. In another example, the receiver circuit (12) and the auxiliary receiver circuit (14) each include a current sensor, a voltage sensor, or both. The controller (18) can compare the two senses. The measured values taken by the detector are used to determine the appropriate mode of operation.

As mentioned above, the auxiliary receiver circuit (14) can also be coupled to the power input of the remote unit (D). The auxiliary receiver circuit (14) is tuned to induce power when the main receiver circuit (12) is configured to operate as a resonator to effectively generate an electromagnetic field generated by the main receiver circuit. In this particular embodiment, the auxiliary receiver circuit (14) includes an inductor (40) that induces power therein when an appropriate electromagnetic field is present. The inductor (40) can be a wire coil, such as a Litz wire, or other component capable of generating an electromagnetic field in response to a power supply. The inductor (40) is selected to modulate the auxiliary receiver circuit (14) to be effective under the operational characteristics of the wireless power supply (100') that is expected to include a resonator (102'). Operation. For example, the inductor (40) can be selected to effectively induce maximum power when an amplified electromagnetic field generated by the main receiver circuit (12) operating in the resonator mode occurs. As explained with respect to the inductor (24), this may include varying substantially any relevant characteristic of the inductor, such as, for example, inductance value, coil shape, coil radius, wire turns, wire type, wire pitch, and/or The characteristics of the capacitor are, for example, capacitance values and capacitor types.

In the depicted embodiment, the auxiliary receiver circuit (14) does not include a resonant capacitor, but a capacitor may be added to provide the auxiliary receiver circuit (14) to a tank circuit if desired. In this particular embodiment, the capacitors are eliminated to allow the auxiliary receiver circuit (14) to operate with enhanced performance over a wider range of frequencies. In general, increasing the resonant capacitor can provide increased efficiency in a smaller operating frequency range, but may reduce the value outside of that range. effectiveness. Therefore, if the wireless power supply can reasonably be expected to supply power within the effective range of the capacitor, it may sometimes be desirable to add a resonant capacitor to the auxiliary receiver circuit (14).

In this particular embodiment, the auxiliary receiver circuit (14) is configured to provide rectified power to the remote device (D). Thus, the inductor (40) is coupled to the power input of the remote device (D) via a rectifier. Although the rectifier may vary from application to application, the auxiliary receiver circuit (14) of the present embodiment includes a full-wave rectifier (42) having four diodes (44a-d) arranged in two poles Body to face. The type of rectifier (eg, full or half wave) and the particular rectifier circuit (eg, bridge rectifier, mid tap, or diode bridge) may vary as desired depending on the application. In an application where the remote unit (D) is operated by AC power or has its own rectifier, the auxiliary receiver circuit (14) may not include a rectifier. If desired, the output of the rectifier (42) may flow through a filtering and/or conditioning circuit, such as, for example, an advection circuit (not shown) configured to reduce chopping in the rectified power. For example, a charging capacitor or smoothing capacitor can be coupled to the output of the rectifier (42).

In some applications, it may be desirable for the system to include an integrated identification capacitor that can be used to allow a wireless power supply to identify and/or identify the compatibility of the remote device. The third figure shows an alternative embodiment of the wireless power receiver (210). Unless otherwise disclosed, the wireless power receiver (210) is generally identical to the wireless power receiver (10), and the specific components of the wireless power receiver (210) are reference numbers used by the wireless power receiver (10). Consistent, except before adding a "2". In this alternative embodiment, the main receiver circuit (212) includes an identification capacitor (238) arranged in parallel with the tank circuit (220). The value of the identification capacitor (238) can be selected to provide a resonant response at the desired frequency, such as, for example, a remote device that is compatible with the Qi® intercommunication wireless power standard at 1 MHz.

While the wireless power receiver (210) of the third diagram includes an identification capacitor (238) in its main receiver circuit (212), the identification capacitor (238) can be placed elsewhere. The fourth diagram shows an alternative wireless power receiver (310) in which the identification capacitor (338) is integrated into the auxiliary receiver circuit (314). For example, in the depicted embodiment, the identification capacitor (338) is arranged in parallel with the inductor (340). In this particular embodiment, the series resonant capacitor (324) (i.e., the tank circuit capacitor in the main receiver circuit (312)) is separated from the parallel identification capacitor (338). Connecting these different capacitors to different coils can provide several potentials when tuning the circuit in some applications. Unless otherwise disclosed, the wireless power receiver (310) is generally identical to the wireless power receiver (10), and the particular components of the wireless power receiver (310) are referenced to the wireless power receiver (10). Consistent, except for the addition of a "3".

The wireless power receiver (10) of the first figure allows for two different modes of operation: one mode for tight coupling and the other mode for medium distance power supply. In some applications, it may be desirable to further enhance the adaptability of the wireless power receiver. The fifth figure shows an alternate embodiment (410) of the wireless power receiver that is configured to provide additional flexibility. Unless otherwise disclosed, the wireless power receiver (410) is generally identical to the wireless power receiver (10), and the particular components of the wireless power receiver (410) are referenced to the wireless power receiver (10). Consistent, except before adding a "4". The wireless power supply (410) of the fifth diagram includes switches (416, 454) in both the primary receiver circuit (412) and the secondary receiver circuit (414). In addition to the switch (454), a series resonant capacitor (456) is also attached to the auxiliary receiver circuit (414). Additional switches (454) and capacitors (456) in the auxiliary receiver circuit (414) enable additional modes of operation by allowing the auxiliary receiver circuit (414) to be the same as the main receiver circuit (412). Play as a function of a resonator. For example, in this embodiment, both switches can maintain an open circuit. The main receiver circuit (412) and/or the auxiliary receiver circuit (414) are allowed to receive power from a tightly coupled wireless power supply, or one of the switches (416, 454) can be closed to allow the wireless power receiver (410) efficiently receiving power from a medium distance wireless power supply. In use, the switch (416) can be closed to allow the primary receiver circuit (412) to act as a resonator for the auxiliary receiver circuit (414), or the switch (454) can be opened to allow for auxiliary reception. The circuit (414) acts as a resonator for the main receiver circuit (414). The wireless power receiver (410) can be configured to efficiently receive from a wireless power supply having a different operational characteristic by appropriately adjusting the components of the primary receiver circuit (412) and the secondary receiver circuit (414). electric power. For example, the primary receiver circuit (412) can be configured to operate as an active resonator for a mid-range wireless power supply having a first power level and a first operating frequency, and assisting The receiver circuit (414) can be configured to operate as an active resonator for a mid-range wireless power supply having a different power level and/or a different operating frequency.

The two switches (416, 454) are controllable by a controller (418). For example, the controller (418) may generate drive signals that selectively open or close the switches (416, 454) to implement the desired mode of operation. As with the specific embodiment shown in the first figure, the controller (418) may determine the appropriate mode of operation in accordance with substantially any system and method. For example, the wireless power receiver (410) can test different operating modes according to communication with the wireless power supply, or power characteristics of the primary receiver circuit (412) and/or the auxiliary receiver circuit (414). The measured value determines the appropriate operating mode.

In some applications, it may be desirable to provide additional tuning options for the wireless power receiver. The sixth diagram shows an alternative wireless power receiver (510) in which the main receiver circuit (512) includes optional capacitors (550, 552) that can be selectively switched into the circuit, either individually or in combination with each other. Needless to say, the additional capacitors (550, 552) allow the main receiver circuit (512) to be tuned for different operating parameters. For example, the use of an optional capacitor (550, 552) may be particularly useful when the primary receiver circuit (512) is tuned to efficiently receive power from a wireless power supply operating at a fixed frequency. In another example, if it is desired to limit the amount of power received in the wireless power receiver (510), an optional capacitor (550, 552) can be used to demodulate the circuit. An optional capacitor (550, 552) can be coupled in parallel with the tank circuit capacitor (524) and can include separate switches (562, 564). While different types of switches can be used, each switch (562, 564) can include a pair of back-to-back FETs (558a-b), (560a-b), and the necessary control circuitry. In this particular embodiment, the controller (518) can be configured to control the drive signals to the gates of the FETs (558a-b) and (560a-b) to open or close the switch (562, 564) as desired. Switch the optional capacitor (550, 552) into or out of the circuit. The controller (518) may determine the appropriate capacitance value. For example, the controller (518) can sequentially test the system, or the main receiver circuit (512) and/or the auxiliary receiver circuit (514), based on communication with the wireless power supply (100, 100'), with different capacitance values. The measured value of the power characteristics in the ) determines the appropriate capacitance value. Unless otherwise disclosed, the wireless power receiver (510) is generally identical to the wireless power receiver (10), and the particular components of the wireless power receiver (510) are referenced to the wireless power receiver (10). Consistent, except before adding a "5".

Although the depicted embodiment includes two optional capacitors, the main receiver circuit (512) can include any desired number of optional capacitors. Further, the depicted embodiment shows an optional capacitor within the main receiver circuit (512). Additionally or alternatively, an optional capacitor can be added to the auxiliary receiver circuit (514) to allow adjustment of the auxiliary receiver circuit (514). Moreover, the specific embodiment of the sixth diagram depicts a system having an adjustable capacitance value. In some applications, it may be desirable to provide a primary receiver circuit (512) or an auxiliary receiver circuit (514) to adjust the inductance value. this In an application class, the circuit can include an optional one or more coils or coil segments that can be switched into or out of the circuit as desired. In some embodiments, the circuit can include a single multi-tap coil and different taps can be used to vary the inductance value of the circuit. The adjustable inductor value can be used alone or in combination with an adjustable capacitor value.

The specific embodiment of the first to sixth figures includes a switch for selectively shorting the tank circuit to configure the main receiver circuit to function as a resonator. In some applications, the main receiver circuit may already include components that provide switch function. In such an application, a separate separate switch may not be required. For example, the seventh diagram shows a specific embodiment of a wireless power supply system (610) in which the primary receiver circuit (612) and the auxiliary receiver circuit (614) each include a rectifier (670a-b) in use. . Unless otherwise disclosed, the wireless power receiver (610) is generally identical to the wireless power receiver (10), and the particular components of the wireless power receiver (610) are referenced to the wireless power receiver (10). Consistent, except before adding a "6". In this embodiment, the active rectifier (670a-b) is a semi-synchronous rectifier comprising a series of switches (672a-b) and (674a-b) (such as FETs), usually in a proper sequence. Drive to rectify the AC power induced in the circuit. In this particular embodiment, the rectifier switch (672a-d) within the main receiver circuit (612) is operable to short the tank circuit (620) and reconfigure the main receiver circuit (612) as a resonator operating. More specifically, if it is desired to reconfigure the primary receiver circuit (612) to act as a resonator for the auxiliary receiver circuit (614), the controller (618) can be configured to close the switch (672a, 672b). . Once closed, the switches (672a) and (672b) create a closed resonant tank in the tank circuit (620) and substantially prevent power from flowing through the switches (672c) and (672d) to the remote unit (D). Although drawn in accordance with the primary receiver circuit (612), this alternative method can also be incorporated into the secondary receiver circuit (614). For example, the auxiliary receiver circuit (614) is in use The switch within the rectifier (670b) can be operated by the controller (618) to allow the auxiliary receiver circuit (614) to selectively operate as a resonator.

The above is a description of specific embodiments of the invention. There may be many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims, and the broader scope of the invention. The description is presented for the purpose of illustration and description, and is not intended to For example, without limitation, any (singular or plural) individual elements of the invention may be substituted by alternative elements, provided that they provide substantially similar functionality or otherwise provide suitable operation. By way of example, this includes alternative components that are currently known, such as those currently known to those skilled in the art, and alternative components that may be developed in the future, such as, for example, once developed, familiarize themselves with those skilled in the art. It can be recognized as an alternative component. Further, the disclosed embodiments include the plurality of features described together and together provide a benefit. The invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, including all such features, or to the specific embodiments, including all of the claimed advantages, unless otherwise indicated. Any element of the patentable scope referred to in the singular, for example, "a", "the", "said" or "said" shall not be construed as limiting the element to the singular.

D‧‧‧Remote device

10‧‧‧Wireless power receiver

12‧‧‧Main Receiver Circuit

14‧‧‧Auxiliary Receiver Circuit

16‧‧‧Switcher

18‧‧‧ Controller

20‧‧‧storage circuit

22‧‧‧Inductors

24‧‧‧ capacitor

26‧‧‧Rectifier

28a-d‧‧‧ diode

30a-b‧‧‧Power transistor

32a-b‧‧‧ gate

34‧‧‧reference voltage

40‧‧‧Inductors

42‧‧‧Rectifier

44a-d‧‧‧ diode

100‧‧‧Wireless power supply

Claims (32)

A wireless power receiver comprising: a main receiver circuit having a tank circuit coupled to a power output and a switch connected across the opposite end of the tank circuit; an auxiliary receiver circuit An inductor coupled to the power output; and a controller configured to selectively operate the switch in an open mode and a closed mode, wherein the open circuit mode is in the tank circuit The induced power is delivered to the power output, wherein in the closed mode the switch produces a closed resonant circuit in the closed circuit whereby the primary receiver circuit acts as a resonator. The wireless power receiver of claim 1, wherein the energy storage circuit comprises an inductor and a capacitor, and the inductor and the capacitor are selected to be close to each other when the switch is in the open mode The coupled wireless power supply is effectively coupled. The wireless power receiver of claim 1, wherein the inductor and the capacitor are selected to be operatively coupled to a mid-range wireless power supply when the switch is in the closed mode. The wireless power receiver of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary receiver includes a capacitor that is selected to be effectively coupled to the closed resonant circuit when the switch is in the closed mode. The wireless power receiver of claim 1, wherein the switch comprises a pair of field effect transistors configured to be connected in series on opposite sides of a reference. The wireless power receiver of claim 1, wherein the main receiver circuit comprises a rectifier. The wireless power receiver of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary receiver circuit comprises a rectifier. The wireless power receiver of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary receiver circuit comprises a capacitor, the auxiliary receiver circuit inductor and the auxiliary receiver circuit capacitor form a tank circuit, the auxiliary receiver The circuit includes a switch that is connected across the opposite ends of the tank circuit. The wireless power receiver of claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to selectively operate the auxiliary receiver circuit switch in an open mode and a closed mode, wherein the open circuit The induced power in the auxiliary receiver circuit tank circuit is transmitted to the power output, wherein the switch generates a closed resonant loop in the auxiliary receiver circuit tank circuit in the closed mode, The auxiliary receiver circuit is used as a resonator. The wireless power receiver of claim 1, wherein at least one of the primary receiver circuit and the auxiliary receiver circuit comprises an optional capacitor. The wireless power receiver of claim 1, wherein at least one of the primary receiver circuit and the auxiliary receiver circuit comprises an optional inductor. The wireless power receiver of claim 1, wherein the main receiver circuit comprises an active rectifier having a plurality of rectifier switches, the main receiver circuit switch comprising at least two rectifier switches; And wherein the controller is configured to selectively operate at least two of the rectifier switches to create a closed resonant loop in the tank circuit. A wireless power receiver suitable for use in tightly coupled and mid-range wireless power supplies The wireless power receiver includes: a first receiver circuit having a tank circuit, the first receiver circuit having a tightly coupled configuration and a resonator configuration, wherein the tightly coupled The energy storage circuit is coupled to a power output in the configuration, wherein the energy storage circuit is disconnected or isolated from the power output and forms a closed resonant circuit; and a second receiver The circuit has an inductor coupled to the power output, the second receiver circuit being configured to couple with the closed resonant loop. The wireless power receiver of claim 13, wherein the first receiver circuit includes a switch that is connected across the opposite end of the tank circuit, the switch being selectively closable to cause The tank circuit forms the closed resonant loop. The wireless power receiver of claim 14, further comprising a controller configured to selectively operate the switch. The wireless power receiver of claim 15, wherein the switch comprises a pair of field effect transistors configured to be connected in series on opposite sides of a reference. The wireless power receiver of claim 13, wherein the first receiver circuit comprises a rectifier. The wireless power receiver of claim 13, wherein the second receiver circuit comprises a rectifier. The wireless power receiver of claim 15, wherein the second receiver circuit further comprises a capacitor, the second receiver circuit inductor and the second receiver circuit capacitor form a tank circuit, The first receiver circuit has a tightly coupled configuration and a resonator configuration, wherein the second receiver circuit is stored in the tightly coupled configuration The power circuit is coupled to a power output, wherein the second receiver circuit energy storage circuit is disconnected or isolated from the power output and forms a closed resonant circuit. The wireless power receiver of claim 19, wherein the second receiver circuit comprises a switch connected across the opposite ends of the second receiver circuit storage circuit. The wireless power receiver of claim 20, wherein the controller is configured to selectively operate the second receiver circuit switch. The wireless power receiver of claim 13, wherein the first receiver circuit comprises an optional capacitor. The wireless power receiver of claim 13, wherein the first receiver circuit comprises an optional inductor. The wireless power receiver of claim 15, wherein the first receiver circuit comprises a plurality of rectifier switch active rectifiers, the first receiver circuit switch comprising at least two rectifier switches And wherein the controller is configured to selectively operate at least two of the rectifier switches to generate a closed resonant loop in the first receiver circuit tank circuit. A method for operating a wireless power receiver, the method comprising the steps of: providing a first receiver circuit configurable to operate in a tightly coupled mode as a power supply And a resonator in a medium-distance mode; providing a second receiver circuit operable in the medium-distance mode as a power supply, when the first receiver The second receiver circuit is calibrated to be operatively coupled to the first receiver circuit when the circuit is configured to operate as a resonator; Determining whether a wireless power supply is the tightly coupled wireless power supply or the intermediate wireless power supply; configuring the first when the wireless power supply is the tightly coupled wireless power supply The receiver circuit operates as a power supply circuit; and when determined that the wireless power supply is the intermediate power wireless power supply, the first receiver circuit is configured to operate as a resonator. The method of claim 25, wherein the step of providing a first receiver circuit comprises providing a tank circuit to the first receiver circuit and adapted to selectively short-circuit the tank circuit to be a closed a switch of the resonant circuit; and wherein the step of configuring the first receiver circuit to operate as a power supply circuit comprises opening the switch. The method of claim 25, wherein the step of providing a first receiver circuit comprises providing a tank circuit to the first receiver circuit and adapted to selectively short-circuit the tank circuit to be a closed a switch of the resonant circuit; and wherein the step of configuring the first receiver circuit to operate as a resonator comprises closing the switch. The method of claim 27, wherein the switch comprises a pair of field effect transistors. The method of claim 2.7, wherein the first receiver circuit comprises an optional capacitor; and further comprising the step of selectively switching the optional capacitor into the first receiver circuit. The method of claim 27, wherein the determining step comprises: obtaining a wireless communication from a wireless power supply to indicate that the wireless power supply is a tightly coupled wireless power supply or a medium distance wireless And a power supply; and determining, according to the communication, the wireless power supply is a tightly coupled wireless power supply or a medium distance wireless power supply. The method of claim 27, wherein the determining step comprises: measuring a power characteristic in at least one of the first receiver circuit and the second receiver circuit; and determining the wireless according to the measured characteristic The power supply is a tightly coupled wireless power supply or a medium distance wireless power supply. The method of claim 27, wherein the determining step comprises: measuring a power characteristic in the first receiver circuit; measuring a power characteristic in the second receiver circuit; and determining a characteristic according to the measurement The wireless power supply is a tightly coupled wireless power supply or a medium distance wireless power supply.